Plywood Curtis Biplane Replica
1 / 10

HARS Aviation Museum

4.8
·2k reviews·Albion Park Rail, Australia

Explore aviation history at HARS Museum, home to iconic planes like the last flying Lockheed Constellation and a Boeing 747, run by passionate volunte...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Volunteer availability for tours

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Plywood Curtis Biplane Replica

HARS Aviation Museum

Best Time

Weekends

Volunteer availability for tours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore aviation history at HARS Museum, home to iconic planes like the last flying Lockheed Constellation and a Boeing 747, run by passionate volunteers.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"One of the best aviation museums, with passionate guides and incredible aircraft!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the 1.5-hour guided tours! Volunteers share incredible passion and knowledge.

✈️ Explore the 747 Cockpit

For an extra fee, you can sit in the cockpit of the Boeing 747!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lockheed Super Constellation

Lockheed Super Constellation

Hangar

See the world's last flying Connie! A true icon of aviation history.

Boeing 747 'City of Canberra'

Boeing 747 'City of Canberra'

Hangar

Step aboard the legendary Queen of the Skies. A rare chance to explore a 747.

F-111C Supersonic Fighter Bomber

F-111C Supersonic Fighter Bomber

Hangar

Marvel at this powerful supersonic jet, a testament to Cold War aviation.

De Havilland Vampire

De Havilland Vampire

Hangar

An iconic early jet aircraft, with a unique wooden and metal construction.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Volunteer-Run Gem

This museum is powered by passionate volunteers! Their dedication shines through in the detailed tours and aircraft restoration. Arrive ready to learn from aviation enthusiasts who love sharing their knowledge.

Book Your Tour

Many visitors rave about the guided tours, which offer in-depth access and insights. Consider booking a tour in advance, especially if you want to explore cockpits or specific aircraft like the Boeing 747.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Volunteer availability for tours
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Engine runs & displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The very last flying Lockheed Constellation is based at HARS Aviation Museum near Sydney, Australia #aviation #avgeek #flying #luxurytravel #traveller #planes
@flyrosta1
2.3K likes • 67.7K views

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the 1.5-hour guided tours! Volunteers share incredible passion and knowledge. InstagramReddit

✈️ Explore the 747 Cockpit

For an extra fee, you can sit in the cockpit of the Boeing 747! Instagram

Come and experience aviation history! Visit the HARS Aviation Museum and check out the legendary de Havilland Vampire! This iconic aircraft first took flight in September 1943 in Britain and made its way to the RAAF three years later. Did you know? The Vampire’s pod is made mostly of wood, while its wings, tail, and booms are crafted from metal. A true testament to early aviation innovation Whil...
jetflight.com.au
63 likes • 1.4K views
🇦🇺@harsaviationmuseum Super Connie start-up🔥 in close detail while hanging out with BigJetTV for the day! did you see the flames?🔥Video by @timbowrey26 ✈️ #hars #harsaviationmuseum #qantas #connie #shellharbourairport #airshows #airshow #aircraftmuseum #aviationmuseum #avgeek #planespotting #aviation @shellharbourairport #airshowsdownunder
sydsquad.au
6.7K likes • 452.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Capture stunning shots of historic aircraft, especially during engine runs. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love the planes and engaging tours. Makes for a memorable family outing. Reddit

Aviation enthusiasts? You ABSOLUTELY CANNOT miss this! HARS Aviation Museum 🛩️ is home to over 40 aircrafts, the Qantas Boeing 747, and navy helicopter fighters! We spent almost 2 hours here during our trip to Illawara and it was so worth it! The museum is run by a volunteer group of Aviation Professionals and Enthusiasts who recover and restore aircrafts so you're guaranteed to have a super know...
hat_explores
296 likes • 11.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Don't miss the 1.5-hour guided tours! Volunteers share incredible passion and knowledge. InstagramReddit

✈️ Explore the 747 Cockpit

For an extra fee, you can sit in the cockpit of the Boeing 747! Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Capture stunning shots of historic aircraft, especially during engine runs. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love the planes and engaging tours. Makes for a memorable family outing. Reddit

📍 Location South of Sydney

Just over an hour's drive south of Sydney, making it a great day trip. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise HARS Aviation Museum for its impressive collection of historic aircraft and the exceptional passion of its volunteer guides. The guided tours are a standout feature, offering in-depth insights and access to iconic planes like the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed Super Constellation. It's highly recommended for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

"Definitely recommend a visit if you're interested in aviation! Attended with a group of friends on a 'tarmac day' event - all the volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, experienced and patient. The variety of planes and related exhibits on display is excellent!"

Jared Tasker

"Absolutely worth to visit if you are in the area. Our tour guide David is so passionate and knowledgeable about aviation. This has to be one of the best aviation museum and the 747 is a bonus too!"

C Zhao

"We had a fantastic time at the HARS Aviation Museum. We paid $30pp and didn’t realise at the time it included a 1.5hr tour of the premises, so we were pleasantly surprised to find out it was.

We want to thank Michael for his expertise and stellar hospitality, he really made this an unforgettable experience. He gave us great insight into all the different types of aircraft on display, making it fun and interesting for all. You can really see how passionate the staff are here.

This museum is a must visit, and we definitely will be back 😊 Thanks Michael!"

Dazza

What People Like

Passionate volunteer guides
Iconic aircraft collection
Engaging guided tours

What People Dislike

Can be busy on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The HARS Aviation Museum is located at Shellharbour Airport (YSHL), about an hour's drive south of Sydney. Driving is the most convenient option. Public transport is possible but can be time-consuming, involving trains and buses. Instagram+1

While possible, it's not the most straightforward. You'd typically take a train from Sydney to Albion Park or Kiama, then a local bus or taxi to the museum. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

It's situated at Shellharbour Regional Airport (YSHL), Albion Park, New South Wales, just over an hour south of Sydney. Instagram+1

The museum is located at Shellharbour Airport, so while you can't fly a commercial passenger flight directly to it, it's the perfect destination for aviation enthusiasts. Instagram

There is ample parking available at the museum, especially during regular operating hours. For special events, parking may be more limited, so arriving early is advised. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, but a common price mentioned is around $30 per person, which often includes a guided tour. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While walk-ins are often accepted, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to secure a spot on a specific guided tour, as they can fill up. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays. It's advisable to check the official HARS Aviation Museum website for their current operating schedule before your visit. Instagram

Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group bookings is usually available on their website. Special event days might have different pricing structures. Instagram

Often, the admission price includes access to the museum grounds and a comprehensive guided tour led by knowledgeable volunteers, offering a deep dive into aviation history. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the world's last flying Lockheed Super Constellation, the Boeing 747 'City of Canberra', the F-111C supersonic fighter bomber, and the de Havilland Vampire. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, guided tours often allow you to go inside many of the aircraft, including cockpits. Some experiences, like sitting in the 747 cockpit, may have an additional fee. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The guided tours are highly recommended and led by passionate volunteers who provide fascinating insights into each aircraft. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum, especially if they take a guided tour. You could easily spend longer if you're a dedicated aviation enthusiast. Instagram

Yes, children often find the large aircraft and interactive tours very engaging. It's a great educational and fun outing for families. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged throughout the museum. It's a fantastic spot for aviation photography. Instagram

Special event days or 'tarmac days' often feature engine runs or flying displays, which are prime opportunities for photographers. Check their schedule for these events. Instagram+1

The Lockheed Super Constellation and the Boeing 747 offer iconic silhouettes. The F-111C also makes for dramatic shots. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted at airports and aviation museums due to safety regulations. It's best to check with the museum directly before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

Generally, standard photography equipment is fine. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas during busy periods or tours. Always be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

HARS Aviation Museum is a fantastic destination for families. The sheer size of the aircraft, like the Boeing 747 and the Super Constellation, is awe-inspiring for children. The guided tours are particularly engaging for younger visitors, with volunteers skilled at making the history accessible and fun for all ages. Reddit

Kids will love the opportunity to get up close to these giants of the sky and imagine themselves as pilots. The museum shop also offers souvenirs, including pilot hats, which add to the fun. It's an educational outing that sparks curiosity and creates lasting memories. Instagram

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Avgeeks

For true aviation aficionados, HARS is a pilgrimage site. The collection features rare and historically significant aircraft, including the world's last flying Lockheed Constellation and a magnificent Boeing 747. TikTokInstagram+1

The volunteer guides are a goldmine of information, sharing technical details and operational anecdotes that are rarely found elsewhere. Special events like 'tarmac days' with engine runs or flying displays are particularly sought after by avgeeks for unique photo opportunities and the thrill of hearing these machines roar to life. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

HARS Aviation Museum offers incredible opportunities for aviation photography. The sheer scale and iconic designs of aircraft like the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed Super Constellation make for dramatic shots. Instagram+1

Keep an eye out for special event days that might feature engine runs or flying displays, providing dynamic action shots and the chance to capture the power of these historic machines. The well-maintained aircraft and hangar provide excellent backdrops for both close-ups and wide-angle compositions. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Stars of the Show: Iconic Aircraft

HARS Aviation Museum is a treasure trove of aviation history, boasting an impressive collection of over 40 aircraft. The undisputed stars are the Lockheed Super Constellation and the Boeing 747 'City of Canberra'. The Super Constellation is particularly special as it's the world's last flying example, offering a tangible link to a bygone era of air travel. TikTokInstagram+2

Visitors can get up close and personal with these giants, and often, guided tours provide access to their cockpits. Imagine sitting in the pilot's seat of a 747! Beyond these headliners, the museum also showcases formidable aircraft like the F-111C supersonic fighter bomber and early jet pioneers such as the de Havilland Vampire. Each aircraft tells a unique story of technological advancement and historical significance. Instagram+2

The museum's collection also includes a Douglas DC-3, a Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina, and a Convair 440, among many others. This diverse range ensures there's something to capture the imagination of every aviation enthusiast, from vintage propeller planes to powerful jet fighters. Instagram+1

The Heart of HARS: The Volunteers

What truly sets HARS Aviation Museum apart is its operation by a dedicated team of volunteer aviation professionals and enthusiasts. These individuals pour their time, expertise, and passion into restoring, maintaining, and showcasing these magnificent machines. Instagram+1

This volunteer spirit translates into an incredibly rich visitor experience. The guided tours, often led by former pilots or engineers, are consistently praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. Visitors frequently mention specific volunteers by name, highlighting their stellar hospitality and ability to make the history come alive. InstagramReddit

Their commitment means that you're not just looking at static displays; you're getting insights from people who have lived and breathed aviation. This personal connection makes a visit to HARS Aviation Museum a truly memorable and authentic experience, far beyond what a typical museum might offer. Reddit

Experiencing the Aircraft: Tours and Access

A visit to HARS Aviation Museum is an interactive journey through aviation history. While exploring the hangar and viewing the aircraft from the outside is impressive, the real magic happens during the guided tours. These tours, typically lasting around 1.5 hours, are highly recommended and often included in the admission price. InstagramReddit

During these tours, volunteers lead small groups through the aircraft, offering detailed explanations of their history, mechanics, and operational significance. You'll get to see the intricate details of the cockpits, understand the engineering marvels, and hear firsthand accounts from those who know these planes best. InstagramReddit

For an extra special experience, some aircraft, like the Boeing 747, offer the opportunity to sit in the cockpit for an additional fee. This hands-on access allows visitors to truly appreciate the scale and complexity of these flying machines, making for an unforgettable adventure. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2